Japanese Kawasaki P-1
The Royal International Air Tattoo 2015 will witness a British airshow 'first' when the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) displays two examples of its Kawasaki P-1 four-jet maritime patrol aircraft - one in the static park and the other in the flying programme.
Not only will this be the UK debut of the P-1, but the type's appearance at the 2015 Air Tattoo is set to mark the first time any Japanese military aircraft has ever taken part in a European flying display. It will also be the public debut on these shores of any JMSDF asset.
The P-1 is another demonstration of the advanced capabilities of Japan's aviation industry. It was developed to replace the Lockheed P-3C Orion maritime patrol platforms operated by the JMSDF, and a maiden flight of the XP-1 prototype was completed at Gifu Air Base in September 2007. Service entry of the production P-1 model commenced during 2013.
